You Ask. We Investigate. Are Wisconsin inmates getting special treatment? Right now, state employees are taking furlough days because of the tough economy. But the paychecks for those behind bars are not changing. That has the husband of a prision guard speaking out. He want's to know why those in prison are still on the state's dime while everyone employed by the prison has to take a furlough.
Inmates cover several jobs inside the prison. From cleaning cells to cooking meals, the prisoners do the jobs and they get paid. But the husband of a prison guard, who wished not to be identified, says that's not fair. His wife has seen her check cut due to a state mandate that she take 16 furlough days. "This is just another example how the average taxpayer is taking the hit when people an either of the ends get the benefit;" The man told NBC26.
A spokesperson with the Department of Corrections says inmates will keep getting their paychecks because they are not considered state employees. The guard's husband counters saying it doesn't make sense to pay inmates when the state faces a deficit.
NBC26 crunched the numbers. the D.O.C. spokesperson said there are 15,000 inmates earning 12 cents to 42 cents an hour for doing work inside the prison system. If the inmates work a full day and were required to take same furlough state employees do, the state could save as much as $400, 000. The prison guard's husband says it may not be a lot in state money terms, but every bit helps. "If you ask any principal or county manager, if they like to have that in their budget, someone would say yes so they could get things done they need to do."
The D.O.C spokesperson says it's important prisoners have jobs. It helps them stay out of trouble when they get out of prison and it helps them pay for hygiene items while in prison,
items the state would have to provide anyway. The spokesperson also says if inmates are on a waiting list to get a job, they get paid 5-cents an hour just sitting in their cells.
If you have a serious issue you would like us to check out, email youask@nbc26.com or call 920-490-2662. your tip could be our next You Ask. We Investigate. report.
